If you are searching for the courses offered in ABU Zaria for the 2026/2027 academic session, this guide provides a detailed overview of the undergraduate programmes available at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) is one of Nigeria’s major federal universities, with academic programmes covering areas such as Engineering, Medicine, Law, Agriculture, Education, Environmental Design, Management Sciences, Arts, Social Sciences and Natural Sciences.
The university’s official programme database currently lists 114 undergraduate programme records, although some records are variants such as special programmes or alternative study routes. ABU’s main website separately reports 98 undergraduate programmes, so applicants should always confirm the exact programme and admission route on the official ABU programme database and current admission notice before making an application.
Courses Offered in ABU Zaria 2026/2027
The following is a consolidated list of undergraduate courses currently shown in ABU’s official programme database. The database identifies the programme, faculty/academic area, department and, where applicable, duration.
Arts and Humanities Courses
Students interested in languages, history, literature, culture, creative arts and related disciplines can consider several programmes in this area.
| Course | Typical Degree | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Arabic | B.A | 4 years |
| Archaeology | B.A | 4 years |
| Archaeology/History | B.A | 4 years |
| English (Drama) | B.A | 4 years |
| English (Language) | B.A | 4 years |
| English (Literature) | B.A | 4 years |
| French | B.A | 4 years |
| Hausa | B.A | 4 years |
| History | B.A | 4 years |
| Theatre and Performing Arts | B.A | 4 years |
| Fine Arts | B.A | 4 years |
| Industrial Design | B.A | 4 years |
The official database also contains some special variants of programmes such as Fine Arts and Industrial Design. Applicants should therefore distinguish the regular programme from a programme specifically marked “Special” when checking the admission portal.
Education Courses
ABU has a broad range of education programmes for candidates who intend to build careers in teaching, educational administration, counselling, curriculum development and related fields.
| Education Course | Degree | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Arabic Education | B.Ed | 4 years |
| Biology Education | B.Ed | 4 years |
| Chemistry Education | B.Ed | 4 years |
| Christian Religious Studies | B.Ed | 4 years |
| Computer Science Education | B.Ed/B.Sc (Ed) | 4 years |
| Creative Art | B.Ed | 4 years |
| Economics Education | B.Ed | 4 years |
| Education Administration and Planning | B.Ed | 4 years |
| Educational Foundation and Curriculum | B.Ed | 4 years |
| Educational Psychology and Counselling | B.Ed | 4 years |
| Geography Education | B.Ed | 4 years |
| Guidance and Counselling | B.Ed | 4 years |
| Hausa Education | B.Ed | 4 years |
| Home Economics | B.Ed | 4 years |
| Integrated Science | B.Ed | 4 years |
| Islamic Religious Studies | B.Ed | 4 years |
| Language Arts | B.Ed | 4 years |
| Mathematics Education | B.Ed | 4 years |
| Physical and Health Education | B.Ed | 4 years |
| Physics Education | B.Ed | 4 years |
| Science Education | B.Ed | 4 years |
| Social Studies | B.Ed | 4 years |
| Business Education | B.Sc (Ed) | 4 years |
| Agriculture Education | B.Sc (Ed) | 4 years |
| Health Education | B.Sc (Ed) | 4 years |
| Human Kinetics | B.Sc (Ed) | 4 years |
ABU’s programme database also includes LVT and special versions of several education programmes. These should not automatically be treated as identical to the standard UTME undergraduate option.
For example, ABU’s Science Education department states that undergraduate admission is available through UTME and Direct Entry routes, subject to the programme’s requirements.
Engineering Courses Offered in ABU Zaria
Engineering is one of the major academic areas at ABU Zaria. The official database lists several five-year engineering degree programmes, alongside some special three-year variants.
| Engineering Course | Duration |
|---|---|
| Agricultural and Bio-Resources Engineering | 5 years |
| Agricultural Engineering | 5 years |
| Automotive Engineering | 5 years |
| Chemical Engineering | 5 years |
| Civil Engineering | 5 years |
| Computer Engineering | 5 years |
| Electrical Engineering | 5 years |
| Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering | 5 years |
| Geomatic Engineering | 5 years |
| Mechanical Engineering | 5 years |
| Mechatronics Engineering | 5 years |
| Metallurgical and Materials Engineering | 5 years |
| Polymer and Textile Engineering | 5 years |
| Water Resources and Environmental Engineering | 5 years |
| Mining and Minerals Engineering | 5 years |
The ABU programme database specifically lists Mining and Minerals Engineering as a five-year B.Eng. programme and also lists disciplines including Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics and Metallurgical and Materials Engineering.
Some engineering programmes also appear with “Special” variants in the database, including Agricultural Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering and Water Resources and Environmental Engineering.
Candidates should therefore check the exact programme title displayed during application rather than relying on a third-party list.
Science Courses Offered in ABU Zaria
ABU offers several programmes in the natural and life sciences. These courses can provide academic foundations for careers in scientific research, technology, environmental management, laboratory work and related industries.
| Science Course | Degree | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Biochemistry | B.Sc | 4 years |
| Biological Science | B.Sc | 4 years |
| Botany | B.Sc | 4 years |
| Geography | B.Sc | 4 years |
The official programme database also contains science-related education degrees and additional science programmes within the university’s wider undergraduate programme structure.
When choosing a science course, UTME candidates should pay close attention to the required O’Level subjects and JAMB subject combination. Meeting the general university requirements does not necessarily mean a candidate satisfies the requirements for every individual course.
Agriculture Courses Offered in ABU Zaria
Agriculture is another important area of study at ABU.
The university’s official programme database lists programmes including:
| Agriculture Course | Degree | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture | B.Agric | 5 years |
| Fisheries and Aquaculture | B.Agric | 5 years |
| Forestry and Wildlife | B.Agric | 5 years |
| Agricultural Extension | B.Sc | 5 years |
| Agricultural Extension (Sasakawa) | B.Sc | 5 years |
ABU also lists Agricultural and Bio-Resources Engineering under Engineering and Agriculture Education under Education.
Agriculture-related programmes can be particularly relevant to students interested in agribusiness, food production, agricultural technology, rural development, environmental management and research.
Business and Management Courses
Students looking for courses related to accounting, finance, banking, insurance and business should also consider ABU’s business-oriented programmes.
The official programme database lists:
| Course | Degree | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting | B.Sc | 4 years |
| Actuarial Science | B.Sc | 4 years |
| Banking and Finance | B.Sc | 4 years |
| Local Government and Development Studies | B.A | 4 years |
Accounting and Banking and Finance are listed under the ABU Business School, while Actuarial Science is associated with Insurance.
These courses can be relevant to students interested in banking, accounting, insurance, financial services, consulting, taxation, business management and other commercial careers.
However, candidates should not select a course simply because they believe it will automatically lead to a high-paying job. Career outcomes depend on professional qualifications, practical skills, experience, industry conditions and individual performance.
Environmental Design Courses
ABU also offers programmes connected to architecture, building, design, planning and related professional fields.
Some of the listed courses include:
| Course | Degree | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | B.Sc | 4 years |
| Building | B.Sc | 5 years |
| Geomatic Engineering | B.Eng | 5 years |
| Industrial Design | B.A | 4 years |
| Fine Arts | B.A | 4 years |
| Glass and Silicate Technology | B.Eng/Bachelor-level programme | 5 years |
| Urban and Regional Planning | Bachelor-level programme | Varies |
The official programme database lists Architecture and Building as four- and five-year programmes respectively, while Geomatic Engineering is listed as a five-year B.Eng. programme.
Medical and Health-Related Courses
ABU Zaria is also known for its health and medical education.
The university has a College of Medical Sciences with faculties including Basic Medical Sciences, Basic Clinical Sciences, Clinical Sciences and Dental Surgery, among others. Its Basic Clinical Sciences faculty states that it serves undergraduate programmes such as MBBS and BDS as well as students in Pharmacy, Nursing and Medical Laboratory Science.
The official ABU programme database lists B.Pharmacy as a five-year undergraduate programme.
Because professional health programmes can have specific regulatory and admission requirements, candidates should verify the exact current requirements for their chosen course before applying.
Law Courses at ABU Zaria
Law is another major academic field at ABU.
The Faculty of Law is located at the Kongo Campus and has four departments: Commercial Law, Islamic Law, Private Law and Public Law.
Students interested in Law should consult the university’s current admission information for the exact programme title, UTME requirements, Direct Entry conditions and other applicable requirements.
It is important to remember that admission into a university Law programme is only part of the professional pathway to legal practice in Nigeria. Students should also understand the professional requirements that apply after university.
ABU Zaria Courses and Their Duration
One of the common questions prospective students ask is how long it takes to study a course at ABU.
There is no single duration for every programme. The official database shows regular undergraduate programmes lasting different numbers of years. For example, many Arts and Education programmes are listed as four years, while many Engineering programmes are five years. Certain special programmes have shorter durations, and some LVT programmes are listed as six years.
| Programme Area | Examples | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Arts | English, History, Arabic | 4 years |
| Education | Biology Education, Mathematics Education | 4 years |
| Engineering | Civil, Mechanical, Electrical | 5 years |
| Agriculture | Agriculture, Fisheries | 5 years |
| Business | Accounting, Banking & Finance | 4 years |
| Architecture | Architecture | 4 years |
| Pharmacy | Pharmacy | 5 years |
| Science | Biochemistry, Botany | 4 years |
These are general figures based on the programme database and should not be interpreted as a guarantee for every admission route.
What Are the Requirements to Study at ABU Zaria?
Admission requirements depend on the specific course.
For regular UTME admission, candidates generally need the required O’Level credits and must meet the relevant JAMB/UTME requirements for the programme. Some courses have additional subject requirements because of their academic or professional nature.
Direct Entry candidates may have different requirements depending on the qualification they are presenting.
For example, ABU’s Department of Science Education explains that its undergraduate admission includes UTME and Direct Entry pathways and specifies different academic requirements for the two routes.
Therefore, applicants should avoid using one general combination for every ABU course.
Common Documents Candidates May Need
Depending on the admission stage and programme, candidates may be required to provide information or documents such as:
| Requirement | Purpose |
|---|---|
| JAMB registration details | Identification and admission processing |
| O’Level results | Confirmation of secondary-school qualifications |
| UTME result | Assessment for UTME admission |
| Direct Entry qualification | For eligible DE candidates |
| Birth information | Administrative verification |
| Local government/state information | Admission and administrative records |
| Passport photograph | Application and identification |
| Screening information | University admission process |
The exact requirements can change, so candidates should rely on the current ABU admission instructions rather than an old checklist.
Does ABU Zaria Accept Direct Entry?
Yes. ABU conducts UTME and Direct Entry admission processes.
The university published information regarding the 2026 UTME and Direct Entry Screening Exercise, confirming that the 2026 admission cycle includes both routes.
Direct Entry is particularly relevant to candidates who already possess an acceptable post-secondary qualification and are applying for admission at an advanced level, subject to the conditions of their chosen programme.
However, Direct Entry eligibility varies by course. A qualification that is accepted for one programme may not automatically qualify a candidate for another.
How to Choose the Right ABU Course
Choosing a university course should involve more than looking for the course with the highest perceived salary.
First, consider the subjects you performed well in at secondary school. A student who enjoys Mathematics and Physics may find Engineering or another quantitative discipline more suitable than a course requiring very different academic strengths.
Second, check the exact JAMB subject combination and O’Level requirements before registering for UTME.
Third, investigate the actual curriculum and career pathway. For professional programmes such as Engineering, Pharmacy, Law and other regulated fields, students should understand the professional requirements associated with the career.
Fourth, consider the cost of education, accommodation, learning materials, transportation and other personal expenses. University fees and charges can change, so candidates should not rely on old figures circulating online.
Finally, confirm that ABU is offering your chosen programme for the admission year you are applying for.
How to Confirm the Latest ABU Courses for 2026/2027
This is particularly important because university programmes can be reviewed, renamed, suspended, introduced or changed over time.
ABU maintains an official programme database where prospective students can view undergraduate programmes separately from postgraduate and other programme categories. The database currently shows 114 undergraduate programme records.
At the same time, ABU’s main website currently reports 98 undergraduate programmes, which demonstrates why applicants should check the specific programme listing and current admission information rather than simply relying on the number of courses reported on another website.
The university also provides an official admissions page and online forms portal for admission-related activities.
For the 2026/2027 admission cycle, candidates should particularly watch ABU’s official announcements because the university has continued publishing updates about admissions and academic programmes during 2026.
Is ABU Zaria a Good Choice for Undergraduate Study?
ABU is one of Nigeria’s established federal universities and has a large academic structure covering numerous disciplines.
The university currently reports 18 faculties, 110 departments, 98 undergraduate programmes and more than 43,000 undergraduate students on its official website.
Its broad academic structure means prospective students can find options across professional, scientific, technological, agricultural, business, educational, environmental and humanities disciplines.
However, whether ABU is the right choice depends on the individual student’s course, admission prospects, academic goals, preferred location and financial circumstances.
Important Things to Know Before Applying
Do not assume that appearing on a third-party “full courses” list guarantees that the course is available for the current admission cycle.
Also, do not assume that meeting a university’s general minimum requirement guarantees admission into a competitive programme. Admission can depend on the specific programme, the number of applicants, screening requirements and other applicable admission conditions.
Candidates should also be careful with websites or social media accounts promising guaranteed admission in exchange for money. Use ABU’s official admission channels for application and verification.
ABU provides an official student and forms portal, while its admissions page directs applicants to the university’s forms system.
Conclusion
The courses offered in ABU Zaria for 2026/2027 cover a wide range of academic disciplines, including Arts, Education, Engineering, Agriculture, Sciences, Business, Environmental Design, Law, Pharmacy and medical-related fields.
The official ABU programme database is the best starting point for checking individual programme titles and durations. At the time of checking, it showed 114 undergraduate programme records, while the main ABU website reported 98 undergraduate programmes.
Because programme availability and admission requirements can change, prospective students should confirm their preferred course through ABU’s official programme and admission channels before completing their application.
For admission-related questions, ABU also publishes official contact information, including an undergraduate admissions contact on its website.
Frequently Asked Questions About Courses Offered in ABU Zaria
How many courses are offered in ABU Zaria?
ABU’s programme database currently displays 114 undergraduate programme records, while the university’s main website reports 98 undergraduate programmes. The difference appears to reflect how the university counts programme variants and its website’s programme summary.
What are the popular courses in ABU Zaria?
Popular choices may include Engineering, Medicine-related programmes, Pharmacy, Law, Accounting, Business-related courses, Computer-related disciplines, Sciences, Agriculture and Education. However, popularity can change from one admission cycle to another.
Does ABU offer Engineering?
Yes. ABU’s official programme database lists Engineering programmes including Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Mining and Minerals Engineering and others.
Does ABU offer Pharmacy?
Yes. B.Pharmacy is listed in ABU’s official undergraduate programme database as a five-year full-time programme.
Does ABU offer Law?
Yes. ABU has a Faculty of Law comprising Commercial Law, Islamic Law, Private Law and Public Law departments.
How many years is Engineering in ABU?
Many of ABU’s regular B.Eng. programmes are listed as five-year programmes in the university’s official programme database. Some special variants have different durations.
Does ABU accept Direct Entry?
Yes. ABU conducts UTME and Direct Entry admission processes. The university’s 2026 admission information includes registration for the UTME and Direct Entry screening exercise.
Where can I check the official ABU course list?
The safest place is ABU’s official programme database and the university’s official admissions pages. The university itself links its undergraduate programme database from its main website.
Can I gain admission into ABU simply because my course is listed?
No. A course being listed does not guarantee admission. You must meet the programme-specific requirements and complete the applicable admission process.
Does ABU’s course list change?
It can. Universities periodically review academic programmes and admission arrangements. Therefore, candidates applying for 2026/2027 should verify their programme against the latest official ABU information before making decisions
An education writer and editor at MyEduTrend, with a decade of experience in the education sector, Zaid covers Nigerian admissions, examinations, scholarships and guides with a focus on accurate, well-researched information.